The bowlers prospered on the second and final day of the South Africans’ tour match against Derbyshire at the County Ground. The tourists made 365 for four before declaring in their first innings yesterday, but opted to give their lower order a run out today and shook hands at 168 for seven in their second innings.

Derbyshire had begun the day on 75 for one in their first, but lost Usman Khawaja to Vernon Philander (two for 31) from the second over of the day to begin a steady collapse. Wayne Madsen fell victim to Morne Morkel, before Lonwabo Tsotsobe claimed rising start Dan Redfern as the first of his four wickets. Tsotsobe bowled with more pace than he has done of late, but is still likely to find himself carrying the drinks at Lord’s unless England prepare a green seamer.

Nonetheless, he dispensed with much of Derbyshire’s middle-order here on the way to figures of four for 45 from 10 overs. Only hard-hitting all-rounder Ross Whiteley showed the necessary resolve and ended unbeaten on 51 off 63 balls when the declaration came with Derbyshire on 174 for nine.

The South Africans lost Faf du Plessis to the second ball of their reply to Derbyshire’s very own left-arm paceman, Mark Footitt. Footitt then added the wickets of Robin Peterson (11), Morne Morkel (0) and Imran Tahir (0) as he too ended with four wickets. Other than that, reserve wicket-keeper Thami Tsolekile, who is not expected to play at Lord’s, made 26 and Vernon Philander made the most of some uninspiring change bowling to hit 68 not out off 80 balls.

With the formalities over at Derby, attention now turns to England’s squad announcement tomorrow morning and the intriguing question as to whether a certain Mr. Pietersen will retain his place. Their bowling attack is likely to include the usual candidates such as Tim Bresnan, Graham Onions and Steven Finn, although they will make a final decision on who will miss out among those three on Thursday morning at Lord’s.